Despite a high scoring, record-setting game that saw a combined 108 points between Alcorn State and North Carolina A&T, television ratings for the fifth installment of the Celebration Bowl did not reflect the excitement and big plays on the field.
Viewership for the Aggies 64-44 win over the Braves last Saturday in Atlanta was down 25 percent and 23 percent in total viewership on ABC, with 1.8 million viewers, according to Nielsen estimates from ShowBuzz Daily.
Through Monday, seven of the eight bowl games to start the bowl season have declined from last year, with six, according to Sports Media Watch, reached historic lows.
The New Orleans Bowl dropped 25 percent; New Mexico Bowl slid 28 percent; Camellia Bowl fell 28 percent and the Gasparilla Bowl dipped by 34 percent.
The inaugural Celebration Bowl in 2015 between Alcorn State and North Carolina A&T drew a 1.9 overnight rating.
